Church Congregation Recovered from Trauma After Surabaya Bombings

TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Following the terrorist attacks on the Indonesian Christian Church, Jalan Diponegoro, Surabaya, many Christians were seen attending the Sunday service today morning, May 20. The church capacity of 400 people was full.

The police provided a strict security to anticipate more incidents. "All the congregations are required to remove their helmets and jackets before entering the church," said Didin, one of the congregation.

In addition to the full armed police, security was also carried out by the Indonesian National Army officers, the Civil Service Police Unit, and the Nahdlatul Ulama Youth Wing. The police also only opened one door for entrance/exit access. "The service runs well, started at 08:00 until the end," he added.

Pastor Claudia S. Kawengian who lead the worship services appealed to the congregation not to fear the bombing terror and forgive the perpetrators because they were also victims of false knowledge. Claudia also advised the attendant to maintain the diversity of Indonesia.

Claudia further said that Muslims community also bear the negative stigma due to the behavior of some people who committed the terror. "Thus, do not assume all Muslims are terrorists," Claudia said, as quoted by Didin.

According to Didin, the church provided a trauma healing service for those who are still traumatized by the bombing terror last week. Didin himself did not use the program despite he had witnessed suicide bombing done by Puji Kuswati, wife of Dita Oeprihanto, along with their two daughters.

The Indonesian Christian Church on Jl. Diponegoro was one of three churches in Surabaya that were attacked by bombing terror on Sunday last week. The other two were Church of Immaculate Santa Maria in Jl. Ngagel Madya and Pentecostal Church on Jl. Arjuno.

KUKUH S WIBOWO